KOHIMA, 28th JULY: The Chief Medical Officer, CMO Dimapur Dr. Tiasunup Pongener has appealed to all the citizens to be responsible by observing all the guidelines and measures implemented by the government agencies and others so as to save the state from any major catastrophe. In a press statement, the CMO said that the desire of the Health Department is that there should be low morbidity and no mortality. However during the past one week mortality among the older age group and those with co-morbid condition is increasing and the number of positive cases among the general public is also on the rise. He said most of the deaths were linked to person, involved in business and shops which indicates that transmission must have occurred in the market places and shopping areas. Expressing that lockdown has been imposed at the right time so as to safe all from getting infected during shopping and marketing. He said at this stage we cannot stop the virus transmission completely but definitely one can control and contain the spread to a certain extent so as to buy time before we get a vaccine. Pointing that many people were very serious about wearing masks and following the guidelines before the virus was detected in the state, he lamented that after the virus entered the state everybody seems to be so casual and reckless which is a major concern for all. He expressed fear that if the trend continues, then the State is headed to a point of no return with devastating after effects and loss of many lives. He therefore requested all to follow every precautionary measures, such as social distancing, wearing of mask, hand hygiene, use of sanitizers, not spitting everywhere; avoid loitering around and mass gathering. Dr Pongener said if we can follow these then it will go a long way in containing the spread and maintain a controllable state of cross- infection and transmission.

Courtesy:ANK